Beneteau First 35 vs 2006 Island Packet 420 — Comparison
Beneteau First 35
2006 Island Packet 420
Specifications Side by Side
| Specification | Beneteau First 35 | 2006 Island Packet 420 |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Manufacturer | Beneteau | Island Packet |
| Year | 2004–2009 | 2006–2012 |
| Type | Sloop | Cutter |
| Country | France | USA |
| Designer | Farr Yacht Design | Bob Johnson |
| Dimensions | ||
| LOA | 10.68 m (35.0 ft) | 12.80 m (42.0 ft) |
| LWL | 9.45 m (31.0 ft) | 10.97 m (36.0 ft) |
| Beam | 3.45 m (11.3 ft) | 3.96 m (13.0 ft) |
| Draft | 2.00 m (6.6 ft) | 1.42 m (4.7 ft) |
| Weight | ||
| Displacement | 5,500 kg (12,125 lbs) | 10,886 kg (23,999 lbs) |
| Ballast | 1,900 kg (4,189 lbs) | 4,309 kg (9,500 lbs) |
| Sailing | ||
| Sail Area | 61.0 m² (657 ft²) | 72.0 m² (775 ft²) |
| Hull Material | Fiberglass | Fiberglass |
| Keel Type | Fin | Full |
| Engine & Tanks | ||
| Engine | 21 HP | 55 HP |
| Fuel Capacity | 100 L (26.4 gal) | 227 L (60.0 gal) |
| Water Capacity | 180 L (47.6 gal) | 454 L (119.9 gal) |
| Accommodation | ||
| Berths | 6 | 7 |
| Cabins | 2 | 2 |
Performance Comparison
Detailed Comparison
The Beneteau First 35 and 2006 Island Packet 420 represent different approaches to sailboat design. The Beneteau First 35 is a 2000s design by Beneteau from France, while the 2006 Island Packet 420 is a 2000s offering from Island Packet from USA. The Beneteau First 35 was penned by Farr Yacht Design. The 2006 Island Packet 420 was designed by Bob Johnson.
In terms of size, the Beneteau First 35 measures 10.68m (35.0ft) overall with a beam of 3.45m, compared to the 2006 Island Packet 420 at 12.80m (42.0ft) with a 3.96m beam. The 2006 Island Packet 420 is 2.12m longer than the Beneteau First 35. The 2006 Island Packet 420 displaces approximately 98% more than its counterpart, which significantly affects how each boat handles in different sea states.
Looking at performance, the Beneteau First 35 has good sail power for versatile performance with an SA/D ratio of 19.89 and 61.0 m² of sail area. The 2006 Island Packet 420, with an SA/D of 14.89 and 72.0 m² of canvas, offers modest sail power for its displacement. The Beneteau First 35 has the edge in terms of raw sailing performance.
For comfort and safety, the Beneteau First 35 offers a firm, racing-oriented motion (comfort ratio: 16.8) and excellent capsize resistance suitable for offshore voyaging (capsize ratio: 0.78). The 2006 Island Packet 420 has a comfort ratio of 20.2 and a capsize screening value of 0.72. The ballast ratios are 34.6% for the Beneteau First 35 and 39.6% for the 2006 Island Packet 420, reflecting their respective approaches to stability.
Below deck, the Beneteau First 35 provides 6 berths in 2 cabins with 180L of water capacity and 100L of fuel. The 2006 Island Packet 420 offers 7 berths in 2 cabins with 454L water and 227L fuel capacity.
Verdict
For cruising: The 2006 Island Packet 420 is the better choice for comfortable cruising thanks to its higher comfort ratio, offering a gentler motion at sea that crews will appreciate on longer passages.
For racing: The Beneteau First 35 has the performance advantage with its superior SA/D ratio, meaning more sail power relative to its displacement for competitive sailing.
For liveaboard: The 2006 Island Packet 420 offers more sleeping accommodation, making it better suited for extended living aboard. Consider water and fuel capacity for extended stays away from marinas.